They’re on the cutting edge of trends, but when it comes to one of their major roadways for bypassing the Barclays Center, Park Slope residents like things just the way they are.
Denizens of the politically correct neighborhood are rebelling against plans by the Transportation Department to eliminate some left-turn lanes on Fourth Avenue between 15th Street and Atlantic Avenue and cause traffic to merge into two lanes.
The grimy thoroughfare is a prime route for motorists trying to avoid traffic jams around the popular new Barclays Center.
“No one disputes that there are serious traffic and pedestrian safety concerns regarding the Fourth Avenue corridor that must be remedied,” said Community Board 6 chairman Daniel Kummer in a resolution.
“The question is how best to address those concerns and to balance the numerous factors and interests involved.”
In an 18-9 vote, the board asked the city for a toned-down proposal that would keep three lanes in each direction and would retain some of the eight turn lanes targeted for elimination.
“A number of our members were strongly concerned that such a radical change of traffic patterns would detrimentally affect mobility and local access on a neighborhood-wide scale,” the resolution said.
Park Slope is the only neighborhood to protest the changes. The community board has only an advisory role in the process, so the city could proceed over its objections.